Internal support apparatus for downhole tubular structures and method of use

ABSTRACT

An internal support apparatus and method for providing support to a tubular structure that is positioned in a wellbore. The apparatus is insertable into the tubular structure to reside in close proximity with an interior surface of the tubular structure, make light contact with an interior surface of the tubular structure, or expand the tubular structure. Thereafter, the support apparatus can remain in the tubular structure indefinitely to provide support against collapse or further collapse and allow the tubular structure to remain in operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates in general to providing internalsupport to tubular structures in a wellbore, and more particularly to anapparatus for providing support to such tubular structures to compensatefor physical weakness or damage.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] In a well, such as an oil and gas well, utilizing sand-controlscreens, the annulus between the wellbore and the sand-control screensis generally packed within a layer of gravel commonly referred to in theindustry as “gravel packing” or “gravel pack.” The gravel layer (gravelpack) acts as a filter to prevent passage of formation fines (ex. sand)and other particulate into the production string. The sand-controlscreen provides a secondary filter to filter additional particulate andto prevent entry of the gravel pack into the production tubing. Overtime, the gravel and the sand-control screens can become filled orclogged with particulate. The clogs increase resistance to fluid flowthereby creating an increasing pressure differential between theinterior and exterior of the screen. This pressure differential causesincreased loading on the screen that can cause it to collapse. Expandedscreens, those that are inserted into position and then expanded to formthe screen, are especially susceptible to collapse because of theirinherent structural design. If the screen collapses, its permeabilitycan be decreased, dramatically reducing the flow capacity of the screen.Also, the decrease in flow area caused by clogging or collapsed portionscause localized increased flow velocities. The increased flow velocityin localized regions of the screen promotes erosion and prematurefailure. In order to restore a well to its full production capability acollapsed screen must be removed and replaced. This requires removal andreinstallation of the entire production string in the wellbore, a timeconsuming and costly procedure.

[0005] In a related problem, portions of the production string, forexample the production tubing, sand-control screens, or other componentsin the string, can be damaged when the formation shifts or sluffs intothe wellbore. The damage can restrict flow through the production stringand cause localized increased flow speeds that promote erosion. Asabove, repair of a damaged portion of the production string requiresremoval and reinstallation of the entire production string.

[0006] In a worse case scenario, the production string and/orsand-control screens can become stuck in the formation and cannot beremoved. Such a scenario may necessitate premature abandonment of thewell.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to provide internal support to thedamaged or weak tubular structures in the well bore, such assand-control screens, production tubing, or other like structures. Suchsupport should both prevent collapse of the tubular structure, andremedy collapsed tubular structures, without requiring removal andreinstallation of the tubular structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The invention provides an internal support apparatus and a methodof supporting tubular structures in a wellbore. Such support mayeliminate the need to replace the tubular structure and allow thetubular structure to remain in operation.

[0009] In one embodiment, the invention encompasses an internal supportapparatus for fixed installation in a tubular structure that is residingin a wellbore. The support apparatus includes an elongate body. At leastone support member projects outwardly from the elongate body at leastinto close proximity with an interior surface of the tubular structurewhen the apparatus is inserted into the tubular structure. The elongatebody can be tubular and can have at least one aperture for passage offluids between an interior and an exterior of the elongate body. Thesupport member can be at least one ridge running longitudinally on theexterior surface of the elongate tubular body. The support member can bea plurality of ridges running longitudinally on the elongate body andsubstantially equally spaced about the circumference of the elongatebody. The support member can be wire wrapped around the elongate body,and the wire can be wrapped in a pattern to act as a filter. The supportmember can reside in substantially perpendicular relation to the axis ofthe elongate body.

[0010] In another embodiment the support apparatus has an elongate bodyand at least one support member changeable from a first positionresiding in substantially perpendicular relation to the axis of theelongate body to a second position residing at an acute angle to theaxis of the elongate body. In the first position, a longest distancebetween the at least one support member and the axis of the elongatebody is greater than a longest distance between the at least one supportmember and the axis of the elongate body in the second position.

[0011] In another embodiment the support apparatus has a tubular bodywith at least one slot running in a helical pattern about the body. Theslot enables the tubular body to be extend.

[0012] An advantage of the invention is that physically weak or damagedtubular structures that are residing in the wellbore can be supportedrather than requiring costly replacement or other remedial actions.

[0013] Another advantage of the invention is that, in some situations,the support device can be installed without requiring removal of theproduction string.

[0014] Another advantage of the invention is that after installation ofthe support apparatus, the tubular structure can be operated as normal.For example, if in normal operation the tubular structure is a conduitfor fluids, fluids may continued to be flowed through the tubularstructure after installation of the support apparatus.

[0015] Another advantage of the invention is that the devices aresimple, and thus inexpensive to manufacture.

[0016] These and other advantages will be apparent from the accompanyingdrawings and detailed disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Various objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent and more readily appreciated from the following description ofthe exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings of which:

[0018]FIGS. 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of an exemplary supportapparatus supporting a tubular structure in accordance with the presentinvention, the support apparatus having support ridges;

[0019]FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional views of another exemplarysupport apparatus supporting a tubular structure in accordance with theinvention, the support apparatus having support ridges;

[0020]FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of another exemplarysupport apparatus supporting a tubular structure in accordance with theinvention, the support apparatus having support bows;

[0021]FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of another exemplarysupport apparatus supporting a tubular structure in accordance with theinvention, the support apparatus having outwardly biased support blocks;

[0022]FIGS. 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views of another exemplarysupport apparatus supporting a tubular structure in accordance with theinvention, the support apparatus having a wire-wrapped supportstructure;

[0023]FIGS. 6A and 6B are partial cross-sectional side views of anotherexemplary support apparatus in accordance with the present invention,being inserted into a tubular structure (FIG. 6A) and expanded tosupport the tubular structure (FIG. 6B);

[0024]FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are cross-sectional views in sequencedepicting use of another exemplary support apparatus in accordance withthe present invention, wherein FIG. 7A depicts the support apparatusbeing inserted into the tubular structure, FIG. 7B depicts the supportapparatus is being expanded by inserting a mandrel through the supportapparatus located inside of the tubular structure, and FIG. 7C depictsthe support apparatus expanded to support the tubular structure;

[0025]FIGS. 8A and 8B and 8C are cross-sectional views in sequencedepicting another exemplary internal support apparatus in accordancewith the present invention, wherein FIG. 8A illustrates the supportapparatus before activation and FIG. 8B illustrates the supportapparatus after actuation; and 8C illustrates a selective injection toolactuating the support apparatus; and

[0026]FIGS. 9A and 9B are elevational views of two exemplary supportplates for use with the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8A and8B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Reference is now made to the drawings wherein like referencenumerals denote like or similar parts throughout the Figures.

[0028] Referring first to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a wellbore 10 of asubterranean well has a tubular structure 12 residing therein for whichinternal support is desired. The term tubular structure is used hereinto encompass virtually any type of device within the wellbore 10 thathas a tubular or substantially tubular cross-section for at least aportion of its length. The tubular structure 12 can be, for example, afluid permeable screen for preventing intrusion of particulate into theproduction tubing (including an expanded screen of the same type), aportion of flow tubing (such as the production tubing), or a portion ofthe wellbore casing. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciatethe applicability of the apparatus and methods described herein to manyother various tubular structures 12 within the wellbore 10. An internalsupport apparatus 14 resides in the tubular structure 12, and has beenfixedly installed such that there is substantially no movement of thesupport apparatus 14 in relation to the tubular structure 12.Thereafter, the support apparatus 14 remains in the tubular structure 12indefinitely to provide support against collapse or further collapse andallow the tubular structure 12 to remain in operation. Thus, forexample, if the tubular structure 12 is a sand screen, fluids areproduced from the well as normal (i.e. from the formation through thesand screen).

[0029] One exemplary internal support apparatus 14 has an elongatetubular body 16 with one or more radially outwardly projecting supportridges 20 on its exterior. The tubular body 16 can be continuous (FIGS.1A and 1B) or can have one or more apertures 18 to allow fluid flowtherethrough (FIGS. 2A and 2B). The support ridges 20 run longitudinallyalong at least a portion of the length of the tubular body 16. Whiledepicted in the figures as cylindrical tubing, the tubular body 16 canbe of any profile and any cross-section. Thus, for example, thecylindrical cross-section tube can be substituted by a rectangular,square, triangular, hexagonal, or other cross-section tube.

[0030] The number of support ridges 20 depends on the particularapplication and the manner of support required by the tubular structure12, and can be a single ridge or a plurality of ridges. For example, twosupport ridges 20 in opposing relation on the surface of the tubularbody 16 will provide support primarily to opposing portions of thetubular structure 12. Multiple ridges 20 distributed about the tubularbody 16 (see FIG. 1B) will provide more even support, because the ridgeswill bear more evenly on the interior surface of the tubular structure12. If more than one ridge 20 is provided, the ridges 20 can be equallyspaced about the tubular body, or spaced in an irregular configurationdepending the manner of support required by the tubular structure 12.Ridges 20 need not be continuous along the entire length of the tubularbody 16. Also, ridges 20 need not be of rectangular section as depictedin the figures, but can be of other shapes, for example but in no meansby limitation, domed, triangular, trapezoidal or otherwise.

[0031] In use, the internal support apparatus 14 is positioned in theinterior of the tubular structure 12 to which it is providing support,and remains in place during operation of the tubular structure 12. Inone exemplary embodiment, the support apparatus 14 is configured suchthat the ridges 20 reside in light contact with or slightly inset fromthe interior surface of the (undamaged) tubular structure 12. The term“light contact” is used herein to describe that the support apparatus 14continuously or intermittently contacts the tubular structure 12 withoutsubstantially expanding the tubular structure 12. The term “slightinset” is used herein to describe that the support apparatus 14 residesin close proximity with the inner surface of the tubular structure 12,but does not make contact with the tubular structure 12. When in closeproximity, the tubular structure 12 can flex inward into contact withthe support apparatus 14, but does not flex enough that the tubularstructure 12 is substantial damaged (ex. bend, tear or break).

[0032] The distance between the outermost surface of opposing ridges 20can be equal to or slightly smaller than an interior dimension of theundamaged tubular structure 20. Thus, if the support apparatus 14 isinserted into an undamaged tubular structure 12, the ridges 20 willsupport against collapse of the tubular structure 12. If inserted into acollapsed or otherwise damaged tubular structure 12, the ridges 20 willexpand the collapsed portion of the tubular structure 12 toapproximately its original interior dimensions. The same effect can beaccomplished by configuring the support apparatus 14 such that theridges 20 reside slightly inset and not touching the inner surface ofthe tubular structure 12. However, if the ridges are slightly inset, thesupport apparatus 14 will be easier to pass into and out of the tubularstructure 12. Alternately, in a collapsed or otherwise damaged tubularstructure 12, the ridges 20 can be configured to lightly contact theinner surface of the damaged portion of the tubular structure 12 tosupport against further collapse while not substantially expanding thecollapsed portion. As above, the same effect can be accomplished byconfiguring the support apparatus 14 such that the ridges 20 areslightly inset from the inner surface of the damaged portion. Forexample, the distance between the outermost surface of opposing ridges20 is equal to or slightly smaller than an interior dimension of thedamaged portion of the tubular structure 20. It may also be desirable toconfigure the support apparatus 14 such that the ridges 20 wouldpartially expand a damaged portion of the tubular structure 12, but notfully expand the damaged portion to its original dimension. For example,the distance between the outermost surface of opposing ridges 20 isgreater than an interior dimension of the damaged portion, but smallerthan the interior dimension of an undamaged portion of the tubularstructure. The distance between the outermost surfaces of opposingridges 20 can be different between different pairs of opposing ridges 20on the same support apparatus 14 to accommodate various internaldimensions (damaged or undamaged) of the tubular structure 12.

[0033] The longitudinal length of internal support apparatus 14 ispreferably sized to span the portion of the tubular structure 12requiring support. However, multiple support apparatus 14 can be joinedtogether to span the portion of the tubular structure 12 requiringsupport, as is shown in FIG. 2A.

[0034] The leading edge of the ridges 20 can have a mandrel surface 22sloping inward and forward towards the center line of the supportapparatus 14. The mandrel surface 22 acts as a mandrel or a wedge toforce the tubular structure 12 over the ridges 20 as the supportapparatus 14 is inserted into the tubular structure 12. Thus, if thesupport apparatus 14 is configured to expand the tubular structure 12,the support apparatus 14 will more easily and smoothly pass into andexpand the tubular structure 12, reducing the risk of the supportapparatus 14 hanging on tubular structure 12 or causing further damage.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, rather than having fixed ridges20 as discussed with respect to the support apparatus 14 of FIGS. 1 and2, an alternate support apparatus 70 can have radially resilient supportbows 72. One end of each support bow 72 is secured to the tubular body16, for example with a weld or fastener 74, such as a screw or bolt. Thesupport bows 72 are semi-elliptic springs that arch radially outwardfrom the tubular body 16, resisting but allowing radial compressioninward towards the tubular body 16. As above, one or multiple bows canbe arranged about the exterior tubular body 16. The number andorientation will depend on the particular support required by thetubular structure 12, as discussed above. The support apparatus 14 canbe configured such that the resilient support bows 72 make light contactwith the inner surface of an undamaged tubular structure 12. As can beseen in FIG. 3A, when inserted into the tubular structure 12, theresilient support bows 72 will then flex inward to accommodate andprovide support to a collapsed or damaged portion of the tubularstructure 12. Thus, the support apparatus 70 can be fixably installed ina damaged or undamaged tubular structure 12 and provide support duringthe operation of the tubular structure 12. As above, apertures 18 can beoptionally be provided in the tubular body 16 to allow passage of fluidfrom the exterior of the tubular body 16 into the interior of thetubular body 16.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an alternate embodiment of thesupport apparatus 76 incorporates radially movable support blocks 78biased outward from the tubular body 16. As above, apertures 18 canoptionally be provided in the tubular support body 16 to allow for flowtherethrough. The support apparatus 76 has an exterior housing 80concentric about the tubular body 16. The support blocks 78 residebetween the exterior housing 80 and the tubular body 16, and extendpartially out from the exterior housing 80. Springs 84 are positionedbetween the support blocks 78 and the tubular body 16 to bias thesupport blocks 78 radially outwardly. The support blocks 78 areconfigured to be moveable between a retracted position, with the springs84 compressed and the support block 78 adjacent the tubular body 16, andan extended position, with the springs 84 expanded and the support block78 radially offset from the tubular body 16. Each of the support blocks78 has a stop flange 82 about its perimeter that is configured to abutthe inner surface of the housing 80 when the support block 78 is fullyextended to retain the block 78 in the housing 80. The support apparatus12 can be configured such that the support blocks 78 bear lightlyagainst the inner surface of the undamaged tubular structure 12.However, when the support apparatus 76 is inserted into a tubularstructure 12 that has collapsed or partially collapsed, the supportblocks 78 in the portion of the collapsed tubular structure 12 will bepushed radially in towards the tubular body 16, and conform to theinterior shape of the collapsed tubular structure 12. The radiallyoutward bias of the support blocks 78 then provides radial support tothe collapsed or partially collapsed portion of the tubular structure12. Thus, the support apparatus 76 can be fixably installed in a damagedor undamaged tubular structure 12 and provide support during theoperation of the tubular structure 12.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in another embodiment, the tubularbody 16 can have a screen-type support structure 24 that functionssimilarly to the ridges 20 described above. The screen-type supportstructure can be built-up in a wire-wrapping process and with wirecircumferentially or spirally wrapped along the longitudinal length ofthe tubular body 16 to form the support structure 24. Additionally, wirelaid longitudinally beneath the circumferential or spiral wire can beused to build up the screen structure 24. The screen-type supportstructure 24 can be constructed to operate as a screen or filter, forexample by deliberate spacing of the wire-wrap to reduce entry ofparticulate (such as sand and gravel) into the interior of the supportapparatus 14. As above, the tubular body 16 can have apertures 18 toallow fluid passage therethrough. Also, as above, the support apparatus14 can have a sloped mandrel surface 26 on its leading edge. However, asseen in FIG. 5A, the mandrel surface 26 need not be part of the ridges20 (as in FIG. 1A) and can be provided on the tubular body 16 itself. Amandrel surface 26 integrated into the tubular body 16 can be used withany of the embodiments disclosed herein. The support apparatus 14 can beconfigured to reside in light contact with the undamaged tubularstructure 12, in light contact with a damaged portion of the tubularstructure 12, slightly inset from the undamaged or damaged portion ofthe tubular structure 12, or to expand a damaged portion of the tubularstructure 12.

[0038] The internal support apparatus 14 can be configured to seal orsubstantially seal with the tubular structure 12 at one or more pointsalong its length. As can be seen in FIG. 5A, support apparatus 14 can beprovided with a seal 28 positioned to substantially continuously abutthe inner diameter of the tubular structure 12 and seal or substantiallyseal against passage of fluid or particulate from below the seal 28 intothe annular space between the support apparatus 14 and the interiorsurface of tubular support structure 12. Seal 28 is provided in the rearportion of mandrel 24, but can be provided at any point along thesupport apparatus 14 that would place the seal in a position to sealagainst the interior surface of tubular structure 12. An additional seal30 can be provided on the support apparatus 14 to abut and seal orsubstantially seal against another portion of the interior of thetubular structure 12. Provided that flow from below seal 28 and aboveseal 30 is prevented, the support apparatus 14 will isolate an intervalof the tubular structure 12 between the seals, so that only flow frombetween the seals can pass through the internal support apparatus 14.The support apparatus 14 may, for example, be configured to filterparticulate, as described above, and to use seals to isolate a portionof a ruptured tubular structure 12 so that flow entering the rupturewill be filtered through the support apparatus 14. In another example,the internal support apparatus 14 may be configured without apertures,thus isolating a damaged portion of the tubular structure 12 with sealswill minimize intrusion of fluid from a damaged portion. Although suchseals 28 and 30 are only discussed with respect to support apparatus 14having a screen-type support structure 24, similar seals can be providedon any of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0039] While each of the embodiments described herein can be fixedrelative to the tubular structure 12 frictionally, FIG. 5A depicts thesupport apparatus 14 supported from a tubing hanger 32 that engages thewellbore, directly or indirectly, to fix the support apparatus 14relative to the tubular structure. The tubing hanger 32 can beconfigured to seal against the inner diameter of the wellbore 10 orcasing in the wellbore 10. Support apparatus 14 can join to the hanger32 to secure the position of the support apparatus 14 relative to thetubular structure 12. Each of the exemplary embodiments described hereincan be supported from a tubing hanger 32 in a similar manner.

[0040]FIGS. 6A and 6B depict another exemplary internal supportapparatus 34 in axially extended and radially contracted moderespectively. The support apparatus 34 is tubular and has a helical slot36 along at least a portion of its length. The helical slot 36 allowsthe support apparatus 34 to be extended axially, and as it extendsaxially, to contract radially in a manner similar to axially stretchinga coil spring. Thus, unextended (FIG. 6B) the support apparatus 34 canbe configured to provide support to the tubular structure 12, but whenextended axially, the support apparatus 34 can pass easily into and outof the tubular structure 12. Also, when axially extended, the reducedouter dimension of the radially contacted support apparatus 34 aids innavigating bends and other restricted diameter portions of the wellbore10. Also as above, apertures 18 can optionally be provided in thesupport apparatus 34 to allow fluid to flow through therethrough. Ananchoring mechanism 38, for example slips or a dog-type anchoringmechanism, can be provided at one or both ends of the support apparatus34 to engage the interior of the tubular structure 12 or other elementin the wellbore 10.

[0041] In use, the internal support apparatus 34 is contracted radiallyby axially extending the apparatus 34 with a setting tool 40 (FIG. 6A).Setting tool 40 is a tool that grips the support apparatus 34 about theportion having helical slots 36 and that is actuable to extend, thusextending the portion of the support apparatus 34 having helical slots36. The setting tool 40 can also be actuable to retract. For example, ahydraulic setting tool 40 can incorporate a piston and rod assembly,wherein hydraulic fluid supplied from a reservoir and electric pumpscontained in or about the setting tool 40 or from the surface, is usedto extend and/or retract the rod. An electric setting tool 40 can useelectric motors together with a screw mechanism or gear train to extendand retract the rod. An example of a tool that can be used as thesetting tool 40 is the Downhole Power Unit available from HalliburtonEnergy Services, Inc.

[0042] The setting tool 40 is operated to engage the support apparatus34 about the portion having helical slots 36, and extended to axiallyextend and radially contract the support apparatus 34. Once axiallyextended, the support apparatus 34 can then be tripped into the well andpositioned in the tubular structure 12 at the area for which support isdesired. Thereafter, the setting tool 40 is contracted and removed (FIG.6B), thereby axially contracting and radially expanding the supportapparatus 34 until the support apparatus 34 reaches its unextendedposition or contacts the interior of the tubular structure 12. Theanchoring mechanism 38 can be set to engage the tubular structure 12 andsecure the position of the support apparatus 34 in a manner known in theart, for example through manipulation of the tubing string orhydraulically. In an exemplary embodiment where the anchoring mechanism38 is slips, the slips are configured to engage the tubular structure 12when the support apparatus 34 is expanded. The slips at each end of thesupport apparatus 34 are oppositely oriented such that when the supportapparatus 34 is expanded and the slips contact with the tubularstructure 12, the slips at a forward end of the support apparatus 34will engage the tubular structure 12 and prevent forward movement of thesupport apparatus 34, and slips at a rearward end of the supportapparatus 34 will engage the tubular structure 12 and prevent rearwardmovement of the support apparatus 34.

[0043] The support apparatus 34 can be configured to make light contactwith the inner surface of the undamaged tubular structure 12 or beslightly inset from the inner surface of the undamaged tubular structure12 when fully expanded (i.e. axially contracted). Thus, if the tubularstructure 12 is collapsed or otherwise damaged, the support apparatus 34can be fully expanded to expand the damaged portion of the tubularstructure 12 back to substantially its original interior dimensions. Thesupport apparatus 34 can also be partially expanded to partially expandthe damaged tubular structure 12. It is important to note here that, ifnot substantially plastically deformed when axially extended, thesupport apparatus 34 will tend to spring back from an extended, radiallycontracted state to its original retracted, radially expanded statewithout assistance from the setting tool 40. However, if a portion ofthe tubular structure 12 is collapsed the support apparatus 34 may notbe able to overcome and expand the damaged portion of the tubularstructure 12 on its own. In such a case, the support apparatus 34 may,by its own tendency to retract and radially expand, fully expand intocontact with undamaged areas of the tubular structure 12 and partiallyexpand into contact with the damaged areas of the tubular structure 12,thereby conforming to the inner contours of the tubular structure 12.Alternately, the setting tool 40 can be powered to retract and radiallyexpand the support apparatus 34 to overcome and expand the damagedportion of the tubular structure 12. If the support apparatus 34 isaxially extended enough to plastically deform, it will not completelyspring back to its original retracted state, and the setting tool 40 canbe powered to retract and radially expand the support apparatus 34.

[0044] Alternately, the support apparatus 34 can be configured to makelight contact with or be slightly inset from the inner surface of acollapsed or damaged portion of the tubular structure 12 when fullyexpanded to support against further collapse while not substantiallyexpanding the collapsed portion. It may also be desirable to configurethe support apparatus 34 such that when expanded it would partiallyexpand a damaged portion of the tubular structure 12, but not fullyexpand the damaged portion to its original dimensions.

[0045] In any configuration, whether inset, lightly contacting, orexpanding the tubular structure 12, the support apparatus 34 can befixably installed in a damaged or undamaged tubular structure 12 andprovide support during the operation of the tubular structure 12.

[0046]FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C depict another exemplary internal supportapparatus 42. The support apparatus 42 is a tubular body having an outerdiameter smaller than the inner diameter of the tubular structure 12(FIG. 7A). The support apparatus 42 has a plurality of apertures 18. Theapertures 18 can be slot-shaped, longitudinally oriented, and arrangedin an overlapping pattern about the support apparatus 42, though othershapes may be used in this invention. The apertures 18 expand thusenabling the support apparatus 42 to be plastically deformed into anexpanded state (FIG. 7C) in a manner similar to expanding an expandablesand-control screen. The number and size of apertures 18 and the wallthickness of the support apparatus 42 can be optimized to providestrength to the support apparatus 42 when expanded. Once positioned inthe tubular structure 12, the support apparatus 42 can be anchored atone or both ends to the borehole 10, for example by joining with atubing hanger 32, or to the tubular structure 12 itself. A mandrelexpansion tool 44, similar to existing tools used to expand expandablesand-control screens, can be forced through the support apparatus 42 toexpand the diameter of the support apparatus 42 into light contact withor slightly inset from the interior surface of the undamaged tubularstructure 12. As such, the support apparatus 42 will provide support thetubular structure 12. Additionally, if the tubular structure 12 iscollapsed or otherwise damaged, the mandrel expansion tool 44 willexpand the damaged portion of the tubular structure 12. Thus, thesupport apparatus 42 can be fixably installed in a damaged or undamagedtubular structure 12 and provide support during the operation of thetubular structure 12.

[0047]FIGS. 8A and 8B depict another exemplary internal supportapparatus 46. The support apparatus 46 has a tubular body portion 48carrying a plurality of support plates 50. As seen in FIG. 9A, thesupport plates 50 can be elliptical and have an elliptical opening 52that receives the body portion 48. The minor axis A1 of the ellipticalopening 52 is sized to closely receive the body portion 48, while themajor axis A2 of the elliptical opening 52 is sized to allow the supportplates 50 to tilt on the body portion 48 about the minor axis A1 asshown in FIG. 8A. The outer dimension of the support plates 50 isgreatest along the major axis A2, and smaller along the minor axis A1such that with the support plates 50 in a tilted position a distancemeasured along the major axis A2 and perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the tubular body 48 is less than the inner diameter of theundamaged tubular structure 12 and when support plates 50 are disposedsubstantially perpendicular (“upright”) to the axis of the body portion48, the support plates 50 will effectively increase the outsidedimension of support apparatus 46 to provide support to the tubularstructure 12. The length of minor axis A1 of the support plates 50 isless than the inner diameter of the undamaged tubular structure 12. Themajor axis A2 of the support plates 50 may be slightly smaller than theinner diameter of the tubular structure 12, so that when moved from atilted position to an upright position, the support plates 50 make lightcontact with the inner surface of the undamaged tubular structure 12.Alternately, the major axis A2 of the support plates 50 may be equal toor slightly larger than the inner diameter of the tubular structure 12to slightly expand the tubular structure 12 when actuated from a tiltedto an upright position. The support plates 50 can be other shapes thanthe elliptical shape shown in FIG. 9A, for example, a flat sided oval asin FIG. 9B, rectangular, or other shape.

[0048] The support plates 50 are spaced on the body portion 48 by aplurality of slide rings 54 sized to coaxially receive and slide on thebody portion 48. Slide rings 54 each accommodate a lock-ring 56 that isbiased inward against the body portion 48, and body portion 48 hascorresponding lock-ring grooves 58. With the support plates 50 in atilted position (FIG. 8A), the slide rings 54 freely slide on the bodyportion 48. However, the lock-ring grooves 58 are spaced such that ifthe respective lock-ring 56 of two or more slide rings 54 locks intoadjacent lock-ring grooves 58, the slide rings 54 will be spaced tosupport the support plates 50 substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the body portion 48 (FIG. 8B).

[0049] The body portion 48 has a hydraulic chamber 60 that receives andseals with the slide ring 54 at one end of the support plate 50 stack. Ahydraulic passage 62 in body portion 48 feeds the hydraulic chamber 60.The hydraulic passage 62 can receive pressure, for example, from theinterior of the support apparatus 12 with a selective injection tool 64(FIG. 8C) that is insertable into the inner diameter of the supportapparatus 46, seals 66 around passage 62, and communicates pressurizedhydraulic fluid into the passage 62. An example of a device suitable foruse as a selective injection tool 64 is the Selective Injection Packeravailable from Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.

[0050] The support plates 50 and slide rings 54 are bounded at one endby the hydraulic chamber 60 and at the other by a stop member 68 affixedto the body portion 48. As pressure is supplied to the hydraulic chamber60, the end-most slide ring 54 is forced axially towards the supportplates 50 and other slide rings 54. The support plate 50 adjacent thestop member 68, bears against the stop member 68, and the support plates50 and slide rings 54 are forced together forcing the support plates 50into substantially perpendicular relation with the body portion 48. Thelock-rings 56 of the slide rings 54 snap into their respective lock-ringgrooves 58 and lock the slide rings 54 into position on the body portion48, thus locking the support plates 50 in substantially perpendicularrelation to the body portion 48.

[0051] In use, the support plates 50 are arranged in the tilted positionand tripped into the well and positioned in the tubular structure 12.Once in position, the hydraulic chamber 60 is pressurized (for example,with the selective injection tool 64), forcing the slide rings 54 andsupport plates 50 to tightly stack against the stop member 68 andforcing support plates 50 into substantially perpendicular relation withthe body portion 48. When tightly stacked, the lock-rings 56 snap intocorresponding lock-ring grooves 58 and lock the slide rings 54 in placeand the support plates 50 in position to support the tubular structure12. Thus, the support apparatus 46 can be fixably installed in a damagedor undamaged tubular structure 12 and provide support during theoperation of the tubular structure 12.

[0052] Although several exemplary embodiments of the methods and systemsof the invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings anddescribed in the foregoing description, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodimentsdisclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications andsubstations without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined in the following claims.

We claim:
 1. An internal support apparatus for fixed installation in atubular structure that is residing in a wellbore, comprising: anelongate body; at least one support member along a length of theelongate body and projecting outward therefrom, wherein the at least onesupport member projects at least into close proximity with an interiorsurface of the tubular structure when the apparatus is inserted into thetubular structure.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elongate bodyis tubular, and further comprising at least one aperture in the elongatebody for passage of fluids between an interior and an exterior of theelongate body.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least onesupport member is at least one ridge running longitudinally on theelongate body.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least onesupport member is a plurality of ridges running longitudinally on theelongate body and substantially equally spaced about the circumferenceof the elongate body.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at leastone support member is wire wrapped around the elongate body.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 5 wherein the wire is wrapped in a pattern to act asa filter.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one supportmember is residing in substantially perpendicular relation to the axisof the elongate body.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the at leastone support member is changeable from a first position residing insubstantially perpendicular relation to the axis of the elongate body toa second position residing at an acute angle to the axis of the elongatebody; and wherein in the first position, a longest distance between theat least one support member and the axis of the elongate body is greaterthan a longest distance between the at least one support member and theaxis of the elongate body in the second position.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 7 wherein the at least one support member tilts about a tilt axisperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body from a firstposition residing in substantially perpendicular relation to thelongitudinal axis of the elongate body to a second position residing atan acute angle to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body; andwherein a dimension of the at least one support member measured alongthe tilt axis is smaller than a dimension of the at least one supportmember measured perpendicular to the tilt axis.
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one support member has a sloping surface onone end adapted to expand the tubular structure about the internalsupport apparatus as the internal support apparatus is inserted into thetubular structure.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elongatebody has a sloping surface on one end adapted to expand the tubularstructure about the internal support apparatus as the internal supportapparatus is inserted into the tubular structure.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising at least one seal for substantially sealingthe elongate body to the tubular structure.
 13. The apparatus of claim12 wherein the at least one seal is at least two seals spaced apart toseal an interval of the tubular structure.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the tubular structure is at least partially collapsed, andwherein the at least one support member projects at least into lightcontact with an interior surface of a collapsed portion of the tubularstructure.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tubular structure isat least partially collapsed, and wherein the at least one supportmember projects radially past an interior surface of a collapsed portionof the tubular structure such that the collapsed portion must expand toreceive the support apparatus.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theat least one support member projects at least into light contact with aninterior surface of the tubular structure.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the tubular structure is affixed to the wellbore.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one support member is movableparallel to a radius of the tubular body, and wherein the at least onesupport member is biased radially outward.
 19. An apparatus forinsertion into a tubular structure that is residing in a wellbore,comprising: a tubular body having at least one slot running in a helicalpattern about the body, wherein the slot is adapted to allow the tubularbody to be extended axially, and extending the tubular body axially froma first position to a second position contracts the tubular bodyradially.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein in a second position, alargest dimension of the body measured perpendicular to the axis of thebody is less than a smallest internal dimension of the tubular structuremeasured perpendicular to the axis of the tubular structure.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 19 wherein the body has apertures allowing fluid flowbetween an exterior of the body and an interior of the body.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 19 wherein the body is configured such that whenresiding in the tubular structure, the body in a first position makeslight contact with an interior surface of the tubular structure.
 23. Theapparatus of claim 19 wherein the body is configured such that whenresiding in the tubular structure, the body in a first position expandsthe tubular structure.
 24. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the body isconfigured such that when residing in a collapsed portion of the tubularstructure, the body in a first position expands the collapsed portion ofthe tubular structure.
 25. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the body isconfigured such that in a second position the body passes freely throughthe tubular structure.
 26. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the body isconfigured such that when residing in the tubular structure, the body ina first position is inset from an interior surface of the tubularstructure.
 27. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising slips at anend of the body configured to engage an interior surface of the tubularstructure when the body is in a first position.
 28. A device forinternally supporting a tubular structure positioned in a well bore,comprising: an elongate tubular body having apertures that allow fluidcommunication between an exterior of the tubular body and an interior ofthe tubular body; and a wire wrapped mesh about the exterior of theelongate tubular body; wherein the device is configured such that whenresiding in the tubular structure, the device is positioned at least inclose proximity with an interior surface of the tubular structure. 29.The device of claim 28 wherein the wire wrapped mesh comprises a wirewrapped circumferentially about the exterior of the elongate tubularbody.
 30. The device of claim 28 wherein the wire wrapped mesh isconfigured to filter against passage of sand into the interior of theelongate tubular body.
 31. The device of claim 28 wherein the elongatetubular body has at least one seal adapted to substantially seal againstthe tubular structure.
 32. The device of claim 28 wherein the elongatetubular body has at least two seals residing in spaced relation andadapted to substantially seal against the tubular structure.
 33. Thedevice of claim 28 wherein an end of the elongate tubular body has aninwardly sloping surface configured to act as a mandrel.
 34. The deviceof claim 28 wherein the device makes light contact with an interiorsurface of the tubular structure.
 35. A device for internal support of atubular structure, comprising: an elongate body; and at least onesupport member changeable from a first position residing insubstantially perpendicular relation to the axis of the elongate body toa second position residing at an acute angle to the axis of the elongatebody; and wherein in the first position, a longest distance measuredperpendicular to the axis of the elongate body and between the at leastone support member and the axis of the elongate body is greater than inthe second position.
 36. The device of claim 35 wherein in the secondposition the longest distance is less than a smallest internal dimensionof the tubular structure.
 37. The device of claim 35 wherein a height ofthe at least one support member is greater than a width of the at leastone support member.
 38. The device of claim 35 wherein the at least onesupport member is configured to make light contact with an interiorsurface of the tubular structure when in the first position.
 39. Thedevice of claim 35 wherein the at least one support member is configuredto pass freely through the interior of the tubular structure when in thesecond position.
 40. An internal support apparatus insertable into atubular structure that is residing in a wellbore, the support apparatuscomprising: an elongate body; and at least one support member movablebetween a radially retracted position and a radially extended position;wherein the at least one support member is biased to the radiallyextended position.
 41. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein the at leastone support member is a semi-elliptic spring.
 42. The apparatus of claim40 wherein the at least one support member is biased to the radiallyextended position by at least one spring.
 43. The apparatus of claim 40configured such that when residing in the tubular structure the at leastone support member in a radially extended position makes light contactwith an interior surface of the tubular structure.
 44. The apparatus ofclaim 40 wherein when residing in a tubular structure with at least aportion of the tubular structure collapsed, the at least one supportmember in a radially extended position makes light contact with asubstantially uncollapsed portion of the tubular structure.
 45. Theapparatus of claim 44 wherein the at least one support member in aradially retracted position makes light contact with the collapsedportion of the tubular structure.
 46. A method of providing support to atubular structure that is residing in a wellbore, the method comprising:inserting a tubular body having a plurality of apertures spacedthereabout into the tubular structure; fixing the tubular body in theborehole; and moving a mandrel through the tubular body therebyexpanding the tubular body into light contact with a interior surface ofthe tubular structure.
 47. The method of claim 46 wherein the tubularstructure is at least partially collapsed, and wherein the step ofmoving a mandrel through the tubular body further comprises expanding atleast the collapsed portion of the tubular structure.
 48. The method ofclaim 46 wherein the apertures are slots.
 49. A method for providingsupport to a tubular structure that is residing in a well, the methodcomprising: inserting an elongate body having at least one supportmember into the tubular structure such that the at least one supportmember resides at least in close proximity with an interior surface ofthe tubular structure; and producing fluids from the well through thetubular structure.
 50. The method of claim 49 wherein the tubularstructure is at least partially collapsed and wherein inserting anelongate body into the tubular structure comprises expanding thecollapsed portion of the tubular structure.
 51. The method of claim 49wherein the support member resides in light contact with an interiorsurface of the tubular structure.
 52. The method of claim 49 furthercomprising anchoring the elongate body in the wellbore.